USA > Indiana > Rush County > History of Rush County, Indiana, from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 15
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The 89TH REGIMENT, formed from the material of the . Eleventh Congressional District, was mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 28th of August, 1862, under Col. Chas. D. Murray, and after an exceedingly brilliant campaign was discharged by Gov. Morton on the 4th of August, 1865.
The 90TH REGIMENT, OR FIFTH CAVALRY, was organized at Indianapolis under the Colonelcy of Felix W. Graham, between August and November, 1862. The different companies, joining headquarters at Louisville on the 11th of March, 1863, engaged in observing the movements of the enemy in the vicinity of Cumber- land river until the 19th of April, when a first and successful brush was had with the rebels. The regiment had been in 22 en- gagements during the term of service, captured 640 prisoners, and claimed a list of casualties mounting up to the number of 829. It was mustered out on the 16th of June, 1865, at Pulaski.
The 91ST BATTALION, of seven companies, was mustered into service at Evansville, the 1st of October, 1862, under Lieut .- Colonel John Mehringer, and in ten days later left for the front. In 1863 the regiment was completed, and theneeforth took a very prominent position in the prosecution of the war. During its ser- vice it lost 81 men, and retired from the field on the 26th of June, 1865.
The 92D REGIMENT failed in organizing.
The 93D REGIMENT was mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 20th of October, 1862, under Col. De Witt C. Thomas and Lieut .- Col. Geo. W. Carr. On the 9th of November it began a move- ment south, and ultimately allied itself to Buckland's Brigade of
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Gen. Sherman's. On the 14th of May it was among the first regi- ments to enter Jackson, the capital of Mississippi; was next pres- ent at the assault on Vicksburg, and made a stirring campaign down to the storming of Fort Blakely on the 9th of April, 1865. It was discharged on the 11th of August, that year, at Indianapo- lis, after receiving a public ovation.
The 94TH AND 95TH REGIMENTS, authorized to be formed within the Fourth and Fifth Congressional Districts, respectively, were only partially organized, and so the few companies that could be mustered were incorporated with other regiments.
The 96TH REGIMENT could only bring together three companies, in the Sixth Congressional District, and these becoming incorpo- rated with the 99th then in process of formation at South Bend, the number was left blank.
The 97TH REGIMENT, raised in the Seventh Congressional Dis- trict, was mustered into service at Terre Haute, on the 20th of September, 1861, under Col. Robert F. Catterson. Reaching the front within a few days, it was assigned a position near Memphis, and subsequently joined in Gen. Grant's movement on Vicksburg, by overland route. After a succession of great exploits with the several armies to which it was attached, it completed its list of battles at Bentonville, on the 21st of March, 1865, and was dis- embodied at Washington on the 9th of June following. During its term of service the regiment lost 341 men, including the three Ensigns killed during the assaults on rebel positions along the Angusta Railway, from the 15th to the 27th of June, 1864.
The 98TH REGIMENT, authorized to be raised within the Eighth Congressional District, failed in its organization, and the number was left blank in the army list. The two companies answering to the call of July, 1862, were consolidated with the 100th Regiment then being organized at Fort Wayne.
The 99TH BATTALION, recruited within the Ninth Congressional District, completed its mnster on the 21st of October, 1862, under Col. Alex. Fawler, and reported for service a few days later at Memphis, where it was assigned to the 16th Army Corps. The va- ried vicissitudes through which this regiment passed and its remark- able gallantry upon all occasions, have gained for it a fair fame. It was disembodied on the 5th of June, 1865, at Washington, and returned to Indianapolis on the 11th of the same month.
The 100TH REGIMENT, recrnited from the Eighth and Tenth Congressional Districts, under Col. Sandford J. Stoughton, mustered
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into the service on the 10th of September, left for the front on the 11th of November, and became attached to the Army of Tennessee on the 26th of that month, 1862. The regiment participated in twenty-five battles, together with skirmishing during fully one-third of its term of service, and claimed a list of casualties mounting up to four hundred and sixty-four. It was mustered out of the ser- vice at Washington on the 9th of June, and reported at Indianapolis for discharge on the 14th of June, 1865.
The 101ST REGIMENT was mustered into service at Wabash on the 7th of September, 1862, under Col. William Garver, and pro- ceeded immediately to Covington, Kentucky. Its early experiences were gained in the pursuit of Bragg's army and John Morgan's cavalry, and these experiences tendered to render the regiment one of the most valuable in the war for the Republic. From the defeat of John Morgan at Milton on the 18th of March, 1863, to the fall of Savannahı on the 23rd of September, 1863, the regiment won many honors. and retired from the service on the 25th of June, 1865, at Indianapolis.
THE MORGAN RAID REGIMENTS-MINUTE MEN.
The 102D REGIMENT, organized under Col. Benjamin M. Gregory from companies of the Indiana Legion, and numbering six hun- dred and twenty-three men and officers, left Indianapolis for the front early in July, and reported at North Vernon on the 12th of July, 1863, and having completed a round of duty, returned to In- dianapolis on the 17th to be discharged.
The 103D, comprising seven companies from Hendricks county, two from Marion and one from Wayne counties, numbering 681 men and officers, under Col. Lawrence S. Shuler, was contemporary with the 102d Regiment, varying only in its service by being mus- tered out one day before, or on the 16th of July, 1863.
The 104TH REGIMENT OF MINUTE MEN was recruited from mem- bers of the Legion of Decatur, La Fayette, Madison, Marion and Rush counties. It comprised 714 men and officers under the command of Col. James Gavin, and was organized within forty hours after the issue of Governor Morton's call for minute men to protect Indiana and Kentucky against the raids of Gen. John H. Morgan's rebel forces. After Morgan's escape into Ohio the command returned and was mustered out on the 18th of July, 1863.
The 105th REGIMENT consisted of seven companies of the Legion and three of Minute Men, furnished by Hancock, Union, Randolph,
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Putnam, Wayne, Clinton and Madison counties. The command numbered seven hundred and thirteen men and officers, under Col. Sherlock, and took a leading part in the pursuit of Morgan. Re- turning on the 18th of July to Indianapolis it was mustered out.
The 106TH REGIMENT, under Col. Isaac P. Gray, consisted of one company of the Legion and nine companies of Minute Men, aggregating seven hundred and ninety-two men and officers. The counties of Wayne, Randolph, Hancock, Howard, and Marion were represented in its rank and file. Like the other regiments organized to repel Morgan, it was disembodied in July, 1863.
The 107TH REGIMENT, under Col. De Witt C. Rugg, was organ- ized in the city of Indianapolis from the companies' Legion, or Ward Guards. The successes of this promptly organized regiment were unquestioned.
The 108TH REGIMENT comprised five companies of Minute Men, from Tippecanoe county, two from Hancock, and one from each of the counties known as Carroll, Montgomery and Wayne, aggregat- ing 710 men and officers, and all under the command of Col. W. C. Wilson. After performing the only duties presented, it returned from Cincinnati on the 18th of July, and was mustered out.
The 109TH REGIMENT, composed of Minute Men from Coles county, Ill., La Porte, Hamilton, Miami and Randolph counties, Ind., showed a roster of 709 officers and men, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Morgan having escaped from Ohio, its duties were at an end, and returning to Indianapolis was mustered out on the 17th of July, 1863, after seven days' service.
The 110TH REGIMENT of Minute Men comprised volunteers from Henry; Madison, Delaware, Cass, and Monroe counties. The men were ready and willing, if not really anxious to go to the front. But happily the swift-winged Morgan was driven away, and conse- quently the regiment was not called to the field.
The 111TH REGIMENT, furnished by Montgomery, Lafayette, Rush, Miami, Monroe, Delaware and Hamilton counties, number- ing 733 men and officers, under Col. Robert Canover, was not requisitioned.
The 112TH REGIMENT was formed from nine companies of Min- ute Men, and the Mitchell Light Infantry Company of the Legion. Its strength was 703 men and officers, under Col. Hiram F. Brax- ton. Lawrence, Washington, Monroe and Orange counties were represented on its roster, and the historic names of North Vernon and Sunman's Station on its banner. Returning from the South
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after seven days' service, it was mustered out on the 17th of July, 1863.
The 113TH REGIMENT, furnished by Daviess, Martin, Washington, and Monroe counties, comprised 526 rank and file nnder Col. Geo. W. Burge. Like the 112th, it was assigned to Gen. Hughes' Brigade, and defended North Vernon against the repeated attacks of. John HI. Morgan's forces.
The 114TH REGIMENT was wholly organized in Johnson county, under Col. Lambertson, and participated in the affair of North Vernon. Returning on the 21st of July, 1863, with its brief but faithful record, it was disembodied at Indianapolis, 11 days after its organization.
All these regiments were brought into existence to meet an emergency, and it must be confessed, that had not a sense of duty, military instinct and love of country animated these regi- ments. the rebel General, John H. Morton, and his 6,000 cavalry, would doubtless have carried destruction as far as the very capital of their State.
SIX MONTHS' REGIMENTS.
The 115TH REGIMENT, organized at Indianapolis in answer to the call of the President in June, 1863, was mustered into service on the 17th of August, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Its service was short but brilliant, and received its discharge at Indianapolis the 10th of February, 1864.
The 116TH REGIMENT, mustered in on the 17th of August, 1863, moved to Detroit, Michigan, on the 30th, under Col. Charles Wise. During October it was ordered to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it was assigned to Col. Mahon's Brigade, and with Gen. Willcox's entire command, joined in the forward movement to Cumberland Gap. After a term on severe duty it returned to Lafayette and there was disembodied on the 24th of February, 1864, whither Gov. Morton hastened, to share in the ceremonies of welcome.
The 117THI REGIMENT of Indianapolis was mustered into service on the 17th of September, 1863, under Col. Thomas J. Brady. After surmounting every obstacle opposed to it, it returned on the 6th of February, 1864, and was treated to a public reception on the 9thı.
The 118TH REGIMENT, whose organization was completed on the 3d of September, 1863, under Col. Geo. W. Jackson, joined the 116th at Nicholasville, and sharing in its fortunes, returned to the
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State capital on the 14th of February, 1864. Its casualties were comprised in a list of 15 killed and wounded.
The 119TH, or SEVENTH CAVALRY, was recruited under Col. Jolin P. C. Shanks, and its organization completed on the 1st of Octo- ber, 1863. The rank and file numbered 1,213, divided into twelve companies. On the 7th of December its arrival at Louisville was reported, and on the 14th it entered on active service. After the well-fought battle of Guntown, Mississippi, on the 10th of June, 1864, although it only brought defeat to our arms, General Grier- son addressed the Seventh Cavalry, saying: "Your General con- gratulates you upon your noble conduct during the late expedition. Fighting against overwhelming numbers, under adverse circum- stances, your prompt obedience to orders and unflinching courage commanding the admiration of all, made even defeat almost a vic- tory. For hours on foot yon repulsed the charges of the enemies' in- fantry, and again in the saddle you met his cavalry and turned his assaults into confusion. Your heroic perseverance saved hundreds of your fellow-soldiers from capture. You have been faithful to your honorable reputation, and have fully justified the confidence, and merited the high esteem of your commander."
Early in 1865, a number of these troops, returning from impris- onment in Southern bastiles, were lost on the steamer "Sultana." The survivors of the campaign continued in the service for a long period after the restoration of peace, and finally mustered out.
The 120TH REGIMENT. In September, 1863, Gov. Morton re- ceived authority from the War Department to organize eleven regi- ments within the State for three years' service. By April, 1864, this organization was complete, and being transferred to the com- mand of Brigadier General Alvin P. Hovey, were formed by him into a division for service with the Army of Tennessee. Of those regiments, the 120th occupied a very prominent place, bothi on ac- count of its numbers, its perfect discipline and high reputation. It was mastered in at Columbus, and was in all the great battles of the latter years of the war. It won high praise from friend and foe, and retired with its bright roll of honor, after the success of Right and Justice was accomplished.
The 121ST, OR NINTH CAVALRY, was mustered in March 1, 1864, under Col. George W. Jackson, at Indianapolis, and though not numerically strong, was so well equipped and possessed such excel- lent material that on the 3rd of May it was ordered to the front. The record of the 121st, though extending over a brief period, is
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pregnant with deeds of war of a high character. On the 26th of April, 1865, these troops, while returning from their labors in the South, lost 55 men, owing to the explosion of the engines of the steamer " Sultana." The return of the 386 survivors, on the 5th of September, 1865, was hailed with joy, and proved how well and dearly the citizens of Indiana loved their soldiers.
The 122D REGIMENT ordered to be raised in the Third Congres- sional District, owing to very few men being then at home, failed in organization, and the regimental number became a blank.
The 123D REGIMENT was furnished by the Fourth and Seventh Congressional Districts during the winter of 1863-'64, and mus- tered, March 9, 1864, at Greensburg, under Col. Jolin C. McQuis- ton. The command left for the front the same day, and after win- ning rare distinction during the last years of the campaign, par- ticularly in its gallantry at Atlanta, and its daring movement to escape Forrest's 15,000 rebel horsemen near Franklin, this regi- ment was discharged on the 30th of August, 1865, at Indianapolis, being mustered out on the 25th, at Raleigh, North Carolina.
The 124TH REGIMENT completed its organization by assuming three companies raised for the 125th Regiment (which was intended to be cavalry), and was mustered in at Richmond, on the 10th of March, 1864, under Colonel James Burgess, and reported at Louis- ville within nine days. From Buzzard's Roost, on the Sth of May, 1864, under General Schofield, Lost Mountain in June, and the capture of Decatur, on the 15th July, to the 21st March, 1865, in its grand advance under General Sherman from Atlanta to the coast, the regiment won many laurel wreaths, and after a brilliant campaign, was mustered out at Greensboro on the 31st August, 1865.
The 125TH, OR TENTH CAVALRY, was partially organized during November and December, 1862, at Vincennes, and in February, 1863, completed its numbers and equipment at Columbus, under Colonel T. M. Pace. Early in May its arrival in Nashville was reported, and presently assigned active service. During September and October it engaged rebel contingents under Forrest and Hood, and later in the battles of Nashville, Reynold's Hill and Sugar Creek, and in 1865 Flint River, Courtland and Mount Hope. The explosion of the Sultana occasioned the loss of thirty-five men with Captain Gaffney and Lieutenants Twigg and Reeves, and in a collision on the Nashville & Louisville railroad, May, 1864, lost five men killed and several wounded. After a term of service un-
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surpassed for its utility and character it was disembodied at Vicks- burg, Mississippi, on the 31st August, 1865, and returning to Indianapolis early in September, was welcomed by the Executive and people.
The 126TH, OR ELEVENTH CAVALRY, was organized at Indian- apolis under Colonel Robert R. Stewart, on the 1st of March, 1864, and left in May for Tennessee. It took a very conspicuous part in the defeat of Hood near Nashville, joining in the pursuit as far as Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where it was dismounted and assigned infantry duty. In June, 1865, it was remounted at St. Louis, and moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, and thence to Leavenworth, where it was mustered out on the 19thi September, 1865.
The 127TH, OR TWELFTH CAVALRY, was partially organized at Kendallville, in December, 1863, and perfected at the same place, under Colonel Edward Anderson, in April, 1864. Reaching the front in May, it went into active service, took a prominent part in the march through Alabama and Georgia, and after a service bril- liant in all its parts, retired from the field, after discharge, on the 22d of November, 1865.
The 128TH REGIMENT was raised in the Tenth Congressional Dis- trict of the period, and mustered at Michigan City, under Colonel R. P. De Hart, on the 18th March, 1864. On the 25th it was reported at the front, and assigned at once to Schofield's Division. The battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Dalton, Brentwood Hills, Nashville. and the six days' skirmish of Columbia, were all participated in by the 128th, and it continued in service long after the termination of hostilities, holding the post of Raleigh, North Carolina.
The 129TH REGIMENT was, like the former, mustered in at Michigan City about the same time, under Colonel Charles Case, and moving to the front on the 7th April, 1864, shared in the for- tunes of the 128th until August 29, 1865, when it was disembodied at Charlotte, Notrh Carolina.
The 130TH REGIMENT, mustered at Kokomo on the 12th March, 1864, under Colonel C. S. Parrish, left en route to the seat of war on the 16th, and was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, at Nashville, on the 19th. During the war it made for itself a brilliant history, and returned to Indian- apolis with its well-won honors on the 13th December, 1865.
The 131ST, OR THIRTEENTH CAVALRY, under Colonel G. M I .. Johnson, was the last mounted regiment recruited within the State.
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It left Indianapolis on the 30th of April, 1864, in infantry trim, and gained its first honors on the 1st of October in its magnificent defense of Huntsville, Alabama, against the rebel division of General Buford, following a line of first-rate military conduct to the end. In January, 1865, the regiment was remounted, won some distinetion in its modern form, and was mustered out at Vicksburg on the 1Sthi of November, 1865. The morale and services of the regiment were such that its Colonel was promoted Brevet Brigadier-General in consideration of its merited honors.
THE ONE HUNDRED-DAYS VOLUNTEERS.
Governor Morton, in obedience to the offer made under his auspiees to the general Government to raise volunteer regiments for onehun- dred days' service, issued his eall on the 23rd of April, 1864. This movement suggested itself to the inventive genius of the war Gov- ernor as a most important step toward the subjection or annihila- tion of the military supporters of slavery within a year, and thus conclude a war, which, notwithstanding its holy elaims to the name of Battles for Freedom, was becoming too protraeted, and proving too detrimental to the best interests of the Union. In answer to the esteemed Governor's call eight regiments came forward, and formed The Grand Division of the Volunteers.
The 132d REGIMENT, under Col. S. C. Vance, was furnished by Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Franklin and Danville, and leaving on the 1Sth of May, 1864, reached the front where it joined the forees acting in Tennessee.
The 133D REGIMENT, raised at Richmond on the 17th of May, 1864, under Col. R. N. Hudson, comprised nine companies, and followed the 132d.
The 134TH REGIMENT, comprising seven companies, was organ- ized at Indianapolis on the 25th of May, 1864, under Col. James Gavin, and proceeded immediately to the front.
The 135TH REGIMENT was raised from the volunteers of Bedford, Noblesville and Goshen, with seven companies from the First Con- gressional District, under Col. W. C. Wilson, on the 25th of May, 1864, and left at once en route to the South.
The 136TH REGIMENT comprised ten companies, raised in the same districts as those contributing to the 135th, under Col. J. W. Foster, and left for Tennessee on the 24th of May, 1864.
The 137TH REGIMENT, under Col. E. J. Robinson, comprising volunteers from Kokomo, Zanesville, Medora, Sullivan, Rockville,
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and Owen and Lawrence counties, left en route to Tennessee on the 28th of May, 1864, having completed organization the day previous.
The 138TH REGIMENT was formed of seven companies from the Ninth, with three from the Eleventh Congressional District (un- reformed), and mustered in at Indianapolis on the 27th of May, 1864, under Col. J. H. Shannon. This fine regiment was re- ported at the front within a few days.
The 139TH REGIMENT, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, was raised front volunteers furnished by Kendallville, Lawrenceburg, Elizaville, Knightstown, Connersville, Newcastle, Portland, Vevay, New Albany, Metamora, Columbia City, New Haven and New Phila- delphia. It was constituted a regiment on the 8th of June, 1864, and appeared among the defenders in Tennessee during that month.
All these regiments gained distinction, and won an enviable po- sition in the glorious history of the war and the no less glorious one of their own State in its relation thereto.
THE PRESIDENT'S CALL OF JULY, 1864.
The 140th REGIMENT was organized with many others, in response to the eall of the nation. Under its Colonel, Thomas J. Brady, it pro- ceeded to the South on the 15th of November, 1864. Having taken a most prominent part in all the desperate struggles, round Nash. ville and Murfreesboro in 1864, to Town Creek Bridge on the 20th of February, 1865, and completed a continuous round of severe duty to the end, arrived at Indianapolis for discharge on the 21st of July, where Governor Morton received it with marked honors.
The 141ST REGIMENT was only partially raised, and its few com- panies were incorporated with Col. Brady's command.
The 142D REGIMENT was recruited at Fort Wayne, under Col. I. M. Comparet, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis on the d of November, 1864. After a steady and exceedingly effective service, it returned to Indianapolis on the 16th of July, 1865.
THE PRESIDENT'S CALL OF DECEMBER, 1864,
Was answered by Indiana in the most material terms. No less than fourteen serviceable regiments were placed at the disposal of the General Government.
The 143D REGIMENT was mustered in, under Col. J. T. Grill, on the 21st February, 1865, reported at Nashville on the 24th, and af- ter a brief but brilliant service returned to the State on the 21st October, 1865.
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The 144TH REGIMENT, under Col. G. W. Riddle, was mustered in on the 6th March, 1865, left on the 9th for Harper's Ferry, took an effective part in the elose of the campaign and reported at Indian- apolis for discharge on the 9th August. 1865.
The 145TH REGIMENT, under Col. W. A. Adams, left Indianapolis on the 18th of February, 1865, and joining Gen. Steadman's division at Chattanooga on the 23d was sent on active service. Its duties were discharged with rare fidelity until mustered out in January, 1866.
The 146TH REGIMENT, under Col. M. C. Welsh, left Indianapolis on the 11th of March en route to Harper's Ferry, where it was as- signed to the army of the Shenandoah. The duties ot this regiment were severe and continuous, to the period of its muster out at Bal- timore on the 31st of August, 1865.
The 147TH REGIMENT, comprised among other volunteers from Benton, Lafayette and Henry counties, organized under Col. Milton Peden on the 13th of March, 1865, at Indianapolis. It shared a fortune similar to that of the 146th, and returned for discharge on the 9th of August, 1865.
The 148TH REGIMENT, under Col. N. R. Ruckle, left the State capital on the 28th of February, 1865, and reporting at Nashville, was sent on guard and garrison duty into the heart of Tennessee. Returning to Indianapolis on the 8th of September, it received a final discharge.
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